Paris, the nation’s capital, and several nearby towns are host to innumerable historical attractions. The Basilica of Sacré Coeur in Paris is considered one of the most visited and famous monuments of the city and carries the title of the Sacred Heart of France. The Basilica of Sacré Coeur, which is comparable to the Taj Mahal in India, is situated in the 18th district of Paris.
This white church stands on the hill of Montmartre. This ancient site, which welcomes several people every day of the year in Byzantine Romanesque style of architecture, is well-known. We urge that you continue with us to the conclusion of this post if you are interested in the architecture of old structures and churches and want to learn more about one of Paris’s holy sites, the Church of Sacre-Coeur in Paris.
About Paris Sacre Coeur
La Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre is a Roman Catholic Church and minor basilica in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. Sacré Cœur means Sacred Heart in French and this church is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ (PBUH).
By now you have probably figured out in which neighborhood the Sacré Cœur church is located. The Sacré Cœur church is located in the Montmartre area and on top of its hill, which is the highest natural point in the city of Paris. Although Notre Dame is the famous church of Paris and the most visited tourist attraction of this city, the Sacred Heart Church of Paris also has many fans. You ought to be aware that, with over ten million annual visits, this cathedral is Paris’s second-most popular attraction for tourists, behind only the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland Paris in popularity.
Why is it recommended to visit Sacre Coeur church?
- After Notre Dame, the second most visited church in France is the Sacred Heart Church in Paris.
- The architectural style of the Sacred Heart Church in Paris is stunning and most consider it similar to the Taj Mahal.
- This church carries one of the heaviest and largest bells in the world and its bells can be heard up to 10 kilometers away.
- The Sacre Coeur church is considered the first Christian holy building.
The History of Sacre Coeur Church in Paris
Since ancient times, the hills where the church is located have been a hallowed site. First, the Romans had built a shrine there. After that, the oldest church in Paris was built in 270 AD by Louis IV. The first bishop of Paris was St. Denis, who was beheaded by the Romans. An old legend is common among the people of the region that after his execution, he removed his head and held it up while his lips were chanting. His body somehow stopped walking and later a small shrine was built on the spot where he had completely died. Today’s St. Denis, which used to be on the site of Sacre Coeur. The name was eventually Anglicized as Sydney.
Sacre Coeur architecture
The current Sacre Coeur was built between 1875 and 1914 by the architecture of Paul Abadie in the Romanesque and Byzantine styles. Abadie is the architect known for the restoration of the Perigueux church. This church is very similar in architecture to the building of the Sacre Coeur church.
They drilled wells deeper than 30 meters to construct it. The cost of building the church was taken over by the French government at that time. The shape of the church looks like a cross from a distance, with four smaller domes on the four sides of its central dome. A magnificent panorama of Paris and its surroundings can be had from the top of the main dome, which is 83 meters tall. The church has many names, one of which is Mons Martis, which means (Mountain of Mars), later it became Christian (Montmartre) or Mount of the Martyr. Christ’s infinite love for people is expressed by his “sacred heart,” which is known as the Sacre Coeur.
The causes for the building of the Sacre Coeur church
The project of building this church was supported by a group of important and influential people of that time who had two reasons for this work. Their first reason was that Paris had made a national covenant to establish a church if it could escape the conflict with the Prussian army (in 1871-1870) without a war. Second, the defeat of the French army in 1871 was interpreted as a moral condemnation of the sins of Paris. Established in 1873 with the permission of the National Council, this project was to build a Christian church visible from all over Paris.
About special white stone
The white and delicate appearance of the building is mostly due to the stones brought from the Chateau Landon quarries. In rainy weather, the calcite in the stones acts as a bleach and gives the church a uniform white appearance.
What can be visited in Paris Sacred Heart Church?
Amazing views over the main dome of the Sacre Coeur church
Interestingly, most of the tourists stop at the exterior of the church and do not step inside the church. But you can go to the top of the dome or terrace to see the most beautiful views of Paris and by paying the entrance fee, you can capture the most beautiful subjects in your camera frame. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and other Parisian memorials are accessible from this terrace even during the day.
The stairs to the dome are outside the church and on its left side. Numerous visitors go to the terrace’s summit every New Year’s Eve to participate in the countdown and view the fireworks. The following section of the church is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May to September and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October to April. To go to the terrace or the main dome, you have to climb about 300 steps.
The Sacre Coeur church interior
If you enter inside the church, you will see many names on the walls. There is an interesting story behind this case; the money that was needed to build the Saker Cor Church was actually donated by the believers and people of faith in Paris, and that’s why their names are engraved on the walls. On the inner ceiling of this church, exquisite mosaic work is performed, which is stunning in its own way. Of course, photography and filming inside the Church of the Sacred Heart is prohibited, but you can take as many photos as you want from its exterior.
The neighborhood around the church is seen to be the perfect spot to get away from the bustle of Paris because of its lush and lovely ambiance. French musicians are also always playing traditional music in its corners, and vendors, tour operators, and street artists introduce you to their local art and culture.
Height of Sacre Coeur Church
This chapel is 130 meters above sea level and perched atop Montmartre Hill. The bell tower and the dome are both 83 meters tall. Following the 324-meter Eiffel Tower in terms of height, this chapel stands at 213 meters above sea level as the second-tallest structure in Paris. The third-place Montparnasse Tower is 210 meters.
Savoyard colossal bell
The largest bell in France is installed in the tower of the Sacre Coeur church. The Savoyard Bell, built in 1895, is a gift from the Episcopal Circle of Savoie. This bell is therefore known as Savoyard, but its original name is Françoise Marguerite. Savoyard’s diameter is 3 meters its weight is 18,835 kilograms, and its sound can be heard from 10 kilometers away.
Millions of visitors per year
On an annual basis, more than 12 million viewers visit this specific spot. Sacre Coeur is the second most visited church in France after Notre Dame. Entry inside the church is free and only if you want to go to the crypt and top of the dome, you have to pay a fee.
What is the suggested cost and time to visit the Church of the Sacred Heart in Paris?
All visitors can get to this church for free, but if they want to watch the beautiful panoramic of the city, should be supplied a ticket. A large building requires at least one or two hours to fully view. The cathedral is only comfortable between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. since it is located in one of Paris’s coziest and quietest districts. As a result, we advise reading the Paris trip guide if you want to purchase an airline ticket to Paris but lack the relevant knowledge.
How to go to the Sacred Heart Church in Paris?
This church is located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, and to go there, you must first go to the “Jules Joffrin” station on metro line 12, then board a bus and get off at the “Place du Tetre” station. Metro line 2 also takes you to the “Pigalle” station, but get off at any station or you have to climb the 270 steps to the church or take this route with the funiculars that are at the bottom of the hill. The cost of these funiculars is equivalent to the cost of a subway ticket. There are also ramps or cable cars, and those who are unable to climb stairs can have easy access to the entrance of the Sacred Heart Church.
Conclusion
As the sacred heart of the country, the Sacré Coeur Church of Paris is made of unique architecture with Byzantine Romanesque style and has unique and special features and characteristics. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Paris stands out for its Roman-style silicate domes, enormous organ, unusual and exquisite tilework, biggest bell in France, and other characteristics.
